Motion 85
Organising for the Future
“That this Congress notes that the proportion of UK employees who are trade union members fell again in 2022, including by 2.1% in Scotland. Whilst a higher proportion of jobs are covered by a collective agreement in Scotland than any part of the UK, and Scotland has a higher union membership density than all English regions apart from the North East, membership has actually fallen more significantly in Scotland than in England or Northern Ireland. It is extremely concerning that since 1995 the proportion of employees who are trade union members has fallen by 12.6%. The figures show that union density in the private sector is extremely low and older employees make up a disproportionately large proportion of union members.
“Congress believes that our movement is only as strong as its members. In order to be as effective a voice as possible for working people in Scotland, we urgently need to redouble our efforts to increase membership and ensure we have a strong presence in workplaces throughout the country.
“Congress notes that there is significant under-representation of groups such as Black workers, women and young workers within the Trade Union Movement, and believes that this must be addressed so that our movement is fully representative of modern Scotland. Engaging all under-represented groups in our work has never been more important at a time of such challenges.
“Congress calls on the General Council to:
- develop a national strategy for increasing union membership, especially in the private sector, in consultation with affiliated unions;
- work with affiliated unions to support greater involvement of union members from under-represented groups in union structures and activities; and
- involve the STUC Youth Committee in specific work around the recruitment and development of young workers and reps.”
Mover: Union of Shop, Distributive & Allied Workers
RSS